Guillain-Barre Syndrome Outbreak in Pune: 160 Cases, 5 Suspected Deaths, WHO Monitoring

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:43pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday Health & Wellness

India is facing a Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune, with 160 reported cases since January. The rare disorder, which attacks the nervous system, has resulted in 5 suspected deaths, while 48 patients remain in intensive care and 21 are on ventilators. Health officials traced the outbreak to the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, commonly linked to contaminated poultry and water. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with authorities to monitor cases and analyze trends. Special hospital wards have been set up, and officials urge people to avoid undercooked poultry and drink boiled water to prevent further infections.

Read More at BBC

Gujarat Reports First Congo Fever Death in 5 Years as 51-Year-Old Man Dies

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:06pm on 28 Jan 2025,Tuesday Health & Wellness

A 51-year-old cattle breeder, Mohanbhai, died of Congo fever in Jamnagar, Gujarat. He was admitted on January 21 and passed away on January 27. Tests confirmed the virus, marking the first reported case in five years. The health department has increased surveillance in his area and urged residents to maintain hygiene. Congo fever spreads through ticks, infected animals, or contact with an infected person's fluids. Symptoms include fever, rashes, and dizziness. The virus has a 40% mortality rate and no vaccine. Health officials have warned locals to take precautions to prevent further infections.

Read More at India Today

Human Case of Bird Flu Found in UK as Virus Spreads Among Birds

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:19am on 28 Jan 2025,Tuesday Health & Wellness

A second case of bird flu in a human has been found in England. The person caught the H5N1 virus on a farm in the West Midlands. They had contact with infected birds. Health experts say such cases are very rare and the risk to the public is low. The patient is in hospital but is doing well. No human-to-human spread has been found. All infected birds on the farm have been culled. Bird flu cases in birds are rising, and strict rules are in place. People are urged not to touch sick or dead birds and report them quickly.

Read More at The Guardian

UK Scientists Developing Cancer Vaccine to Prevent Disease 20 Years Early

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:55pm on 27 Jan 2025,Monday Health & Wellness

Scientists at the University of Oxford and GSK are developing a vaccine to stop cancer up to 20 years before it develops. The vaccine targets pre-cancerous cells, using advancements in detecting early cancer signs. GSK will invest £50 million in the research, which aims to identify and attack cancer-prone cells. Professor Sarah Blagden said cancers take years to form, and this vaccine could "detect the undetectable." Over 385,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer annually, with 167,000 deaths. This breakthrough could change the future of cancer prevention and save countless lives.

Read More at The Independent

Maharashtra Records First Guillain-Barre Syndrome Death as Cases Rise to 101 in Pune

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:26am on 27 Jan 2025,Monday Health & Wellness

Maharashtra has reported its first death due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with 101 cases recorded, predominantly in Pune. Of these, 81 are from Pune Municipal Corporation, 14 from Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 6 from other districts. GBS, a rare neurological disorder causing muscle weakness and paralysis, has prompted the state to deploy rapid response teams and increase surveillance. Water samples are being tested for biological and chemical analysis. The Union Health Ministry has sent a team to assess the outbreak. Authorities urge private practitioners to report GBS cases while ramping up health promotion activities across affected areas.

Read More at News18

Best-selling Apple product accused of exposing users to cancer due to toxic 'forever chemicals' in Watch bands

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:42pm on 26 Jan 2025,Sunday Health & Wellness

Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of exposing users to cancer-causing "forever chemicals" in its Watch bands. The lawsuit, filed in California, claims that certain Apple Watch bands, including the Sport Band and Ocean Band, contain high levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are linked to cancer and fertility issues. The lawsuit alleges Apple knowingly concealed this information, despite marketing its products as health-promoting. The plaintiffs seek an injunction to stop the sale of the bands and monetary penalties. Apple maintains that its products are safe and undergo rigorous testing.

Read More at Daily Mail

China Detects Cluster of New Mpox Variant

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:11pm on 09 Jan 2025,Thursday Health & Wellness

China has found a cluster of infections caused by a new mpox strain, clade Ib. The outbreak began with a foreigner who had visited the Democratic Republic of Congo. Four others caught the virus after close contact. Symptoms include mild skin rashes and blisters. Mpox spreads through close contact and can cause flu-like symptoms. Though often mild, it can rarely be fatal. China has declared mpox a Category B disease, allowing strict control measures. The World Health Organization had declared mpox a global health emergency last year, with outbreaks spreading from Congo to other countries in Africa and now Asia.

Read More at NDTV

Mumbai Infant Tests Positive for HMPV; States Intensify Health Alerts

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:43am on 08 Jan 2025,Wednesday Health & Wellness

A Mumbai infant has tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), intensifying health alerts across India. HMPV, a respiratory virus, affects people of all ages, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable. The virus typically spreads during winter and early spring, causing cold-like symptoms, but severe cases may lead to respiratory complications. States have urged residents to follow preventive measures, including wearing masks and maintaining hygiene. Health experts recommend monitoring symptoms like fever, cough, and breathing difficulties in vulnerable groups. Authorities are closely tracking cases and enhancing public awareness to mitigate the risk of a larger outbreak.

Read More at NDTV

HMPV Virus Not New, Says Health Minister JP Nadda

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:47pm on 06 Jan 2025,Monday Health & Wellness

The Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, assured the public there is no need to panic over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Three cases have been reported in India, with two in Bengaluru and one in Ahmedabad. He explained that HMPV is not new and was first identified in 2001. It causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be severe for infants and people with weak immunity. The Health Ministry and ICMR are monitoring the situation closely. Nadda stated that India's health systems are prepared and urged citizens to stay calm while following basic hygiene measures.

Read More at Hindustan Times

HMPV Detected in Bengaluru: Karnataka Issues Advisory to Prevent Spread

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:28pm on 06 Jan 2025,Monday Health & Wellness

Two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases were reported in Bengaluru, involving infants aged 3 and 8 months. The Karnataka government issued an advisory emphasizing hygiene and caution to curb the virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to pneumonia in severe cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) detected the cases through routine surveillance. Citizens are advised to wear masks, wash hands frequently, and avoid crowded places if symptomatic. While there’s no vaccine or specific treatment, hospitals have been instructed to report cases and maintain essential medication supplies. Authorities reassured the public, stating the situation is under control.

Read More at Times Now

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